Acts 23

Paul is permitted to go before the Sanhedrin. It has become an even more rancorous place than 20 years earlier and, if possible, is even more badly divided: Sadducees versus Pharisees . Paul seems to intentionally play these differences against each other by claiming that he is there because of the Resurrection of the dead. This pits the Pharisees (who believe in the Resurrection) against the Sadducees (who do not believe in the Resurrection). The usual shouting match ensues and Paul, once again, has to be rescued by the Roman Tribune and his soldiers.

A plot to kill Paul is revealed. More than 40 men have vowed that they will not eat or drink until Paul has been put to death. Paul’s nephew learns of it and warns Paul and the Tribune. Paul is packed off to Caesarea by the sea with a letter of introduction and 200 hundred soldiers, 70 horsemen and 200 spearmen – a formidable military attachment. Paul is given a horse to ride.